Eventually, every homeowner or building manager is faced with a choice: do you replace your water heater, or fix it again? The temptation is usually to save some money and just repair it. But often, it may be too late, and the water heater is beyond repair. When this happens, your only choice is to do a costly emergency replacement. But there’s a smarter way to approach this. You can upgrade on your own terms by understanding the warning signs before the heater fails.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
What many don’t realize is that squeezing extra life out of an aging glass lined water heater often costs more than replacing it! While you think you’re getting your money’s worth, in reality, the system is running at higher operating costs. In fact, a 15-year-old water heater can easily cost 25-50% more to operate when compared to a new, efficient model. If you figure $50 a month in wasted energy, that adds up to $600/annually. Over a few years, you’ve easily exceeded the cost of replacement. Not to mention that there are other risks to keeping an older system running. Most notably, they are prone to leaks, which could cause thousands of dollars in water damage.
Look and Listen for the Warning Signs
Ideally, you should upgrade your water heater before it fails. But the question lingers – when? The key is to look (and listen) for the warning signs and react accordingly. Here are the common ones:
Age – this is the most telling factor. If your unit is over ten years old, you’re on borrowed time. Most traditional glass lined water heaters have a lifespan of about 8-12 years. Once you hit 10, the risk of failure increases significantly with each passing year.
Rusty Water or Visible Corrosion – another telltale sign of imminent failure is the presence of rust. If you see brown or orange-tinted water or rust stains on the tank’s exterior, it’s time. Your system is telling you that it’s deteriorating from the inside, and its days are numbered.
Strange Noises – rumbling, popping, and other strange noises coming from the basement. Is it haunted? Probably not. That’s just your old water heater saying that mineral deposits have accumulated or other horrors are happening inside.
Slow Recovery/Inconsistent Temperature - if you are running out of hot water faster than usual or experience fluctuating temperatures, this means the heating element is struggling. It’s time to start shopping for a new water heater, as this is the beginning of the end for this one.
Leaks/Pooling Water - pay close attention, as even the smallest leak is a major red flag. It means your tank is failing, and small leaks can grow into bigger ones fairly quickly. Don’t take any chances and risk a flooded basement. This is the last thing you’ll want to deal with in addition to replacing the water heater.
Conclusion
The best time to replace your water heater is when you choose, not when it chooses you! Don’t wait for failure to start benefiting from an upgrade. Pay attention to the warning signs and act quickly to avoid emergency replacement. This will save you money in the short term, and having a more efficient system will save even more money over time.
Is it time to replace your water heater? Consider one of our long-lasting and durable HydraStone™ lined or Featherweight Thermoplastic water heaters that provide many years of reliable service and require virtually no maintenance. We have several models designed for residential and commercial use. See the full lineup here or contact us to find out which water heater is best for your needs or to get a quote.